Saturday, August 31, 2013

had a good riding lesson today, glad i went even though my allergies didn't appreciate it! since Monday is Labor Day, i will probably stay home with Mr. Pawlish... that'll give my allergies another two days to get it together! i always feel terrible when i go out in public coughing, i know that's just gross for everyone else who is around me.

it's time again to look in my Julep Maven box! this is the September 2013 It Girl box :) i did add on a polish this month, as it was a scattered holo duochrome... i mean really, who could say no?! plus, i still had enough points so that i didn't even have to pay for it... big win. one thing that really shocked me when i opened up the box this month is that all the polishes are in individual cardboard boxes... which looks really snappy, but the shock came in because just last month they stopped the insert cards that described your box to conserve paper. do what now? hmmmm.

here's a look inside... the little extra treatie this month is a polish removing wipe!

and here are the polishes! the top three are the It Girl colors, Reece is my add-on!

shockingly, even in the extra box, Josephine's lid came loose and some leaked out... my guess is it was never completely screwed on to begin with. luckily, it didn't all drain away! it figures that one i really like would be the leaker. *sigh*

all of these are a win for me, Catrina is nice and opaque even though yellow isn't a color i wear very often. reviews on these coming soon! Ria :)

Friday, August 30, 2013

feeling much better today, yesterday was definitely the worst of this allergy attack :) i slept in and met up with a friend for lunch, we went to a restaurant with a patio so that we could bring the dogs! i cleaned my tack this afternoon, so it's good to go for tomorrow's jump lesson.

today's polish is Essie Midnight Cami, a deep navy with a super subtle royal blue shimmer. the formula is quite opaque, almost completely opaque in one coat and perfect at two. it's easy to work with, not too runny like some Essie polishes can be. it dries glossy on its own and did start drying faster than most polishes do on me, but i added topcoat to speed it along.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

woke up this morning with a full on allergy attack, so i stayed home... i'm feeling like the worst is over now. i think i'm still going to stay home tomorrow, hopefully i will be 100% (or as close as i get!) for my lesson on Saturday.

today i thought i'd talk about Poshe Topcoat! i always go back and forth between it and Seche Vite... but lately i've been leaning a bit more towards Poshe. Poshe doesn't cause nail polish to shrink back from the tips like Seche Vite... although it doesn't dry quite as shiny. it dries super fast and you can use it to help dry a manicure between coats... which is great for things like stamping!

the brush is not too dense and also fairly long, the medium density in the bristles really help with control!

you can find Poshe at many drugstores, Ulta, and Sally Beauty Supply! what is your topcoat of choice? Ria :)

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Aramis is still on light work for the rest of the week, he earned it! just trotted him around bareback today... admittedly a very little bit. i get lazy because my thighs start hurting... gotta suck it up! i think i'm going to stay home tomorrow... i've been fighting off an allergy attack since i left for the show last week and it appears to be winning. i'm throwing down Echinacea and hoping for the best... i don't have time to get sick! hopefully, staying away from all those allergens for a day will help.

today's polish is OPI Rosy Future... this is one of the first OPI polishes i ever bought! it's a super sheer pink with a blue reflex... it's lovely. it takes LOADS of coats to get it opaque on its own, i prefer it used for French tips. i started with two coats of Rosy Future, then added China Glaze White On White for the tips. i did one more coat of Rosy Future over everything, and sealed it off with a coat of Poshe topcoat.

i'm thinking of doing a post on French tips, methods of application and people's perceptions. anybody interested? i'm not the greatest at them, but i do love them! Ria :)

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

i'm finally back! i've been at my very first 3-day event... and it was a great time :) Aramis and i took third in our division, and our team won the Adult Team Challenge! he was really well behaved, i couldn't have asked for more. i shared a hotel room with a friend who also has a strange sense of humor... which means we had an AWESOME time :D

today's polish is Sation Chatty Catty, a super bright salmon creme that almost verges on neon. it's one that would be flattering on all skin tones, a great goodbye to summer. the formula is excellent... two easy coats for full opacity! i was afraid it would be sheer and watery, but happily it's perfect. it dries to a fairly dull finish, so i highly recommend topcoat to bring out the beauty of this baby!

two coats Chatty Catty, one coat Seche Vite.

i hope you're all doing well! Aramis had a couple lazy days, i walked him on Monday and got on him bareback and wandered today... back to work tomorrow! Ria :)

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

i was able to have a phone date and catch up with one of oldest friends today! well, i've known her for a long time, not that she's actually old :D i'm horrific about keeping in touch with people, so i'm always super happy to be able to catch up. her husband is in the military as well, it's always nice to have someone know exactly what you're going through!

today's product is Freeman Barefoot Peppermint & Plum Foot Lotion. i love the Freeman brand, and was attracted to the cute packaging. plus, my feet are always a little sore from wearing boots all the time! this lotion makes your feet feel and smell wonderful... i would go ahead and smell it before you buy it, i'd imagine that the scent wouldn't be appealing to everyone. the peppermint in it gives a cooling effect, which feels so lovely on your feet! it also contains tea tree oil, which is one of my favorite oils... it's just so good for your skin! this is a bit of an over share i suppose, but my feet do peel on the bottoms a lot (again, the boots!). i haven't really noticed it helping stop the peeling, but your feet do feel nice and soft after using it!

let me know if you try this out and what you think of it! i certainly plan on repurchasing when i finish this tube... i'm a definite fan. Ria :)

Monday, August 19, 2013

the time is drawing near! we leave in the morning on Thursday for my first 3-day event :D i've got most of what i need, now it all just needs to be packed... i'm trying to force myself to get it done, and not leave it until like 15 minutes before i have to be out the door... like usual! i'm excited to use all my new show clothes and schtuff :)

today's polish is China Glaze Crackle Glaze Latticed Lilac. it's (as you probably guessed) a crackle finish polish that's a light purple foil. i used it over yesterday's Maybelline Color Show Twilight Rays manicure, i love the twinkling golden shimmers showing through the cracks! this polish doesn't crack as easily as i'd like, i barely got any cracks at all on my pointer finger. a fast dry topcoat helps pull it apart a little more, add it when it's had a little time to dry. topcoat is really a must to bring out the beauty of the polish, it's pretty dull on its own!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Aramis and i had a dressage clinic today, we had a lesson with an outside trainer who worked with us one on one. it's always helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes check out what you're doing wrong! most of what she said was what my trainer has been saying, but it's nice to hear things phrased a little differently... makes your mind look at it from a different angle. hopefully we'll be able to apply what she taught us in the show next weekend!

today's polish is Maybelline Color Show Twilight Rays. it's a black polish chock full of golden and green glass fleck shimmers. the formula on this one looks frightening on coat one... complete sheer and patchy... but it evens out nicely to full opacity on coat two... i have no idea how that works! after looking at super closely, it might could have done with one more coat, but it's definitely fine at two. a coat of topcoat really brings out all the shimmers!

two coats Twilight Rays, one coat Seche Vite.

i love polishes like this, they are just elegant... with an added bit of fun. for those of you who enjoy horsie pictures, i'm adding on one of the biggest jumps i've done with Aramis! Happy Sunday! Ria :)

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Mr. Pawlish is out playing pool with a friend that recently moved to our area... it's pretty wild because i grew up with him in my hometown, and now he's moved to Monterey with his wife. the Navy makes for a small world, i tell ya!

i'm loving today's polish, it's Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Jumpin' Jade. it's a deep green shimmer, the shimmer is fairly subtle so unless you look closely, you get more of a pearl effect. the color is just so rich and deep, it really looks fabulous on the nail! the formula is outstanding, two super easy coats for full opacity... some people might even chose to leave it at one coat! a coat of topcoat really brings out the shine and leaves a glossy finish.

two coats Jumpin' Jade, one coat Poshe.

i highly recommend snatching up this one if you see it... i found it on clearance a bit ago! Ria :)

Friday, August 16, 2013

went out and worked on dressage with Aramis this morning... a friend stopped and told me we were looking way better! that's always lovely to hear :) we definitely want to keep on that trajectory!

i got this month's ipsy Glam Bag in the mail a little while ago, but i've had so many other things to post! i got some fun things, including a product from Pixi... love that brand so much :)

here's a look at the bag...

i'm looking forward to trying out the Pacifica BB Cream and as i always love a scrub, i was delighted to find the Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal one. i have Pixi's Lash Booster Mascara in blue, glad to have the black version as well! i'm not really into loose shadows, but the Mica Beauty shadow is a gorgeous color.

last up, one of Urban Decay's new lipsticks! i'm happy to have one to try out as they are getting so much press lately :) this one is Anarchy.

hope you enjoyed this look in my ipsy Glam Bag... let me know if there are any products you'd like to see reviews on! Ria :)

Thursday, August 15, 2013

today i have the last of the new press release i received! i've been really impressed with what Salon Perfect has been coming out with... and more than a little devastated that my local Walmart doesn't carry them.

here's a look at what's coming up from Salon Perfect!

these look lovely... and it's hard to beat a $3.98 price point! will you be trying to pick up any of these? i'm hoping my Walmart will magically start carrying them! Ria :)

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

i have the most exciting press release today... Seche is coming out with a color collection! yep, the same company that makes Seche Vite, my favorite topcoat bar none, is releasing colored polishes :D read on to find out more!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

was so glad i woke up feeling better than i did yesterday today... i had to head out early and get a little blood work done, and from there went to the barn. Aramis was a really good boy today :) we worked hard on our dressage, hopefully we'll dial it in better before our show... can't believe it's next weekend!!today's polish is POP Beauty Nail Glam Radiant Ruby (kindly provided to me for review!). it's a lovely, rich cool-toned red with a subtle shimmer. Radiant Ruby really describes it perfectly! the formula is so nice, opaque in one coat and total perfection at two. just be careful to keep your brush straight as you apply because you can get a wobbly streak if you don't pay attention! the brushstrokes aren't very noticeable, but you can see a couple on close examination. it dries shiny on its own, and really comes to life with a coat of topcoat!two coats Radiant Ruby, one coat Seche Vite.

Monday, August 12, 2013

poor Mr. Pawlish couldn't find his wallet this morning! after much searching, he finally found under the seat of the car... i thought that was pretty crazy. i understand how it can happen, but i'm kind of surprised he found it. especially because it's stressful to be looking for your wallet with your school ID right when you need to be leaving for school! yet another thing that makes me so glad to be done with college :) he's getting his Masters, which i'm so proud of... i can't imagine going back to school!

today's polish is POP Beauty Nail Glam Purple Plum (kindly provided to me for review!). i was super excited to receive both this one and Radiant Ruby (tomorrow's post!) in the mail as i've never tried any POP Beauty polishes before! i happy to report, this one does not disappoint. it's a gorgeous, vampy eggplant creme. it's such a rich dark purple that in low light it looks black, but it's much less severe on the skin than a true black would be. the formula is awesome... completely opaque in one coat! i decided to use two because i always prefer the look of two coats :) it dries really glossy on its own, but i did use topcoat to help it dry. it was more amenable to drying on its than most polishes are with my body chemistry, though!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

had lunch out with Mr. Pawlish today, then headed over to the mall to use some great coupons i got in the mail... free stuff from both Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works! i love free :) i also bought a couple polos, i needed a pink one for my first 3-day event... can't believe that's in less than two weeks! i guess polos aren't in style right now, because they are hard to find! i lucked out and found them at Macy's on sale... i got a solid pink one and a pink one with small white stripes because i couldn't choose... i'm leaning towards wearing the stripey one though, i think that will look fun under my black cross country vest!

i went into the salon Trade Secret to check out the OPI San Francisco collection (which is lovely!) and noticed a large clearance display! i recommend calling up your local Trade Secret and seeing if they're having the same sale... the clearance was an extra 50% off. i found the OPI James Bond Magnetic Lacquers, they retailed for $17.50 and i got them for less than $5 a piece... yep, i got all three for less than the original price of one :D i love deals like that! even though i'm not really into magnetics, they are pretty and these are beautiful polishes all on their own.

here's a look at the packaging...

each one comes with a polish and a magnet... each magnet has a different design!

the magnet is in a little plastic holder than in theory is great... you should just set your finger in the bottom and the magnet does the rest. however, i tested it out, and it's just not strong enough. you need to hold your nail right under the magnet to get the design.

i swatched these quickly on a nail wheel... the diamond wouldn't show up at all on Bond... James Bond, so i tried it on Morning Moneypenny... it showed up a little bit. the designs aren't matched up with the polishes they came with, Bond... James Bond and Morning Moneypenny are swapped! clearly, the Is That Silva? magnet works the best!

i plan on doing full reviews on these in the future! which one do you like the best? i can't resist the holographic particles in Silva and Moneypenny. let me know if you find great deals at your local Trade Secret! Ria :)

Saturday, August 10, 2013

today's press release is from Sation for their Fall collection! i'm loving that they added in pastels instead of just doing the expected dark Autumn hues. Hottie Biscotti and Tira Miss-u (the ones on each end in the photo!) look like ones i'd grab for in an instant... the whole collection are shades i gravitate towards :)

Sation Sets Sail

with

"Miss-terranean" Fall Collection

All aboard
the luxury lacquer liner! Miss Professional Nail
(Miss) has announced the release of "The
Miss-terranean," their Fall
2013 Nail Lacquer Collection. The Mediterranean-themed campaign is a transatlantic tribute to the rich, vivid color
palettes of Europe's most treasured destinations: the classic beauty of Italy's
primaries; the decadent sizzle of Spain's signature brights, and the ever-polished appeal
of the oh-my-glam Parisians. This collection celebrates the cosmopolitan
world with a vicarious experience that is exciting, sophisticated and
gloriously indulgent. You deserve a beautifying break, so go ahead and treat
yourself (and your nails!) to a holiday on the high seas.

Miss
Creative Director Staci Dao was inspired by the glamorous, adventurous vibe of
these historical hotspots. Shewanted to
bottle the essence of their effortlessly elegant nature and colorful, carefree
climate - luckily in the nail polish world, this
is possible. Be sure to pack your passport, your pearls and your favorite
polish!

Here are the colors that are on deck for
Fall 2013:

Napoleon Dyna-Matte: Start a color revolution in
true old-world style with this captivating crimson that your suitors will go matte for

I Need A Spumani: As delectable as the dessert,
a muted pistachio will give your nails a chic foreign flavor

Don Wannabe: Be prepared for fashion followers when you reveal this
glorious Grecian blue; it's unexpected brilliance will be the talk of the villa

Tira Miss-u: The ultimate in lacquered ladyfingers! A silky,
sumptuous lavender that will have you reaching for seconds

Hottie Biscotti: Sizzling yet sensual, this
universally flattering neutral will be the toast of the season

Wine-y Happy People: Salute to sophistication!
Raise a glass to a rich velvety vino, in an exquisite Bordeaux shade that will make a splash along the Seine

"The Miss-terranean" will paddle its
way into your local beauty supply stores on September 3, 2013, and will be available online @ www.misspn.com on
September 9, 2013. Ahoy Misses & Mateys!
hope you're all having a fantastic weekend! Ria :)

Friday, August 9, 2013

i got a few fun press releases in my email today that i will be sharing over the next couple days! first up we have the upcoming China Glaze collection... Autumn Nights. i love the rich jewel tones and that it's chock full of shimmers!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

nothing too exciting today, worked Aramis then took Mama Pawlish out to lunch. we've started going to this new bakery restaurant that (quite frankly) i need to stay out of because their pies are AMAZING and i can't resist ordering a slice! today we shared a slice of blueberry lemon custard pie... delicious. so delicious. :)

today's polish is L'oreal Silver Sparkle. i bought this one awhile ago and it's just been moldering away in my un-trieds. i was hoping it would be opaque, but it's definitely a glaze. since i didn't want to be able to see my nail, i used two coats of China Glaze White On White as a base. Silver Sparkle has ultra finely milled iridescent glitter in a clear base, along with larger pieces of iridescent as well as gold glitter. it's not very densely packed, so i used two thick coats to really be able to see it. i'm thinking this polish might look better over black, let me know if you'd like to see that! because of all the coats, a fast dry topcoat is a must... plus it brings out all the sparkles!

two coats White On White, two coats Silver Sparkle, one coat Poshe.

this polish is way prettier in person, a camera just can't capture how it shimmers in the light! Ria :)

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

sorry about going MIA the last few days! Saturday was Mr. Pawlish and my anniversary (awwww) and Sunday i got a last minute invite to take Aramis and school cross country... no way i could say no to that! we had an awesome time, and i'm feeling a lot more confident about going cross country in my first 3 day in a couple weeks. i was just feeling uninspired and lazy at the beginning of the week, which is why i'm just getting around to a new post!

today's polish is Julep Nellie from my August 2013 It Girl box. it's a lovely dark berry creme with a lovely formula. it's fully opaque in one coat and you could leave it at that, although i do prefer two. it dries super glossy on its own, but i needed topcoat to help it dry.

two coats Nellie, one coat Poshe.

i hope you all are doing well! i have some fun press samples to share with you this week from Pop Beauty and Konad... check back soon! Ria :)

Friday, August 2, 2013

today i had my first lunge lesson, which basically means my trainer had Aramis on a long leash. he was a bit squirrely for a while, but eventually he decided to get with the program. i still have trouble keeping the correct leg position... i want to push my feet forward and turn my knees out! practice practice practice.

today's polish is Julep Fiore from my 2013 Maven It Girl box. it's a super dark taupe creme... Julep described it as chocolate, but it's much more greY/purple toned than what i would consider chocolate. it has a very opaque formula, you could easily leave it at one coat... but i do prefer two. it's lovely and glossy on its own, but it flat refuses to dry for me. because of that, topcoat is a must... at least with my skin chemistry!

two coats Fiore, one coat Seche Vite.

i just love colors like this, especially on nubs like mine! when you have short nails, dark polishes look best in my opinion. i'm waiting for mine to grow out a bit more so i can start reviewing the new batch of Sally Hansen Sugar Coats... can't wait!! Ria :)

welcome!

thank you so much for stopping by Ria Loves Pawlish! here you'll find loads of nail polish swatches, reviews, and all things nail related. you'll also find posts on stand out products from the entire realm of beauty! hope you enjoy, Ria :)